How To Get A Bird Out of Your House: Step By Step Guide
Having a bird fly into your home can be a surprising and chaotic experience. While it may be a beautiful creature, it can also cause damage and leave a mess in its wake. If you ever find yourself in this situation, it’s important to stay calm and handle the situation carefully.
In this guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to safely and effectively get a bird out of your house. Whether it’s a pet bird that has escaped or a wild bird that has made its way indoors, these steps will help you handle the situation with minimal stress.
How To Get A Bird Out of Your House: Step By Step Guide
- Remain Calm: The first step in getting a bird out of your house is to remain calm. Many birds that accidentally fly into homes are disoriented and scared and may react negatively to loud noises or sudden movements. By remaining calm, you can help keep the bird calm and make it easier to guide it out of your house.
- Close All Doors and Windows: The next step is to close all doors and windows in the room where the bird is located. This will prevent the bird from flying deeper into your house and getting lost in other rooms.
- Turn Off All Lights: Birds are naturally attracted to light, so turning off all lights in the room can help guide the bird towards the open door or window. If you have a porch light or outdoor light on, you may want to turn that off as well so the bird is not drawn towards it instead.
- Open All Doors and Windows: Next, open all windows and doors that lead to the outside. This will provide an escape route for the bird and increase the chances of it flying out on its own.
- Turn on a Fan: If the bird is not flying towards the open doors or windows, you can try turning on a fan or two. The breeze from the fan may help push the bird towards the open window or door.
- Create a Safe Landing Spot: If the bird is flying around frantically, it may be helpful to create a safe landing spot for it to rest. This can be a towel or cloth draped over a piece of furniture or a large cardboard box placed on the ground. The bird may feel more comfortable landing on a flat, stable surface rather than flying around in open space.
- Use a Handheld Object: If the bird is not flying towards the open doors or windows, you can try using a handheld object to gently guide it in the right direction. This can be a broom, a large piece of cardboard, or even a tennis racket. Be careful not to hit the bird with the object, as this can injure it or cause it to panic even more.
- Remain Patient: Getting a bird out of your house can take time, so it’s important to remain patient and persistent. It may take a few tries before the bird finally flies out, so don’t give up if it doesn’t work on your first attempt.
- Seek Professional Help: If the bird has been in your house for a long time or appears injured, it may be best to contact a wildlife rescue organization or a professional bird removal service for assistance. They will have the experience and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove the bird from your house.
- Take Preventative Measures: Once you have successfully removed the bird from your house, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures to avoid this from happening again. This can include installing screens on windows and keeping doors closed when not in use.
Remember, it’s important to always handle birds with care and never try to catch or handle a wild bird with your bare hands. If you do come into contact with a wild bird, wash your hands thoroughly afterward to minimize any risk of disease transmission.
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Methods on How to Get Birds Out of Your House
- Open All Windows and Doors: The easiest way to get birds out of your house is to open all the windows and doors. This will create an escape route for the bird and allow it to fly back outside.
- Turn off Lights and Close Curtains: Birds are attracted to light and may fly towards it, thinking it is an exit. Turning off all lights and closing curtains will reduce the chances of the bird becoming disoriented and flying further into your house.
- Create a Path for the Bird to Follow: If the bird is not leaving on its own, you can try to guide it towards an exit using a broom, mop, or long stick. First, make sure all windows and doors are open and then gently and calmly guide the bird towards the exit. If the bird is on a high perch, you can also try placing a towel over it and carrying it outside.
- Use Natural Deterrents: Some birds are afraid of certain animals, such as owls or cats. You can try placing a toy owl or a picture of a cat near the bird to scare it away. You can also use reflective objects, such as a mirror, to create a sense of danger and prompt the bird to leave.
- Make Loud Noises: Loud noises can startle birds and encourage them to fly away. You can clap your hands, play loud music, or use a whistle to create a noise that will prompt the bird to leave.
- Use a Homemade Lure: If the bird is perched in a hard-to-reach area, you can try using a lure to attract it towards an exit. This can be a piece of fruit or a birdseed trail leading towards the exit.
- Call a Professional: If the bird is injured or trapped in a difficult location, it may be best to call a professional wildlife control service to safely and humanely remove the bird from your house.
Remember to always handle birds with care and avoid getting too close to them, as they may become frightened and cause injury to themselves or you. It is also important to keep your windows and doors closed in the future to prevent birds from entering your house.
How to Get A Bird Out of Your House With High Ceilings
- Remain Calm: The first and most important step is to remain calm. Birds are naturally skittish and can easily be scared away by loud noises or sudden movements. Try not to panic or chase the bird as this will only make it more difficult to catch.
- Identify the Bird: If possible, try to identify the type of bird that has entered your home. This will help you determine its behavior and the best way to safely remove it.
- Close All Doors and Windows: Close all doors and windows in the room where the bird is located. This will prevent the bird from escaping or entering other areas of your home.
- Turn Off Lights: If it is daytime, turn off all lights in the room. Birds are naturally drawn to light and may be attracted to an open window or door with sunlight shining through.
- Open Doors or Windows to the Outside: If there is a door or window that leads directly to the outside, open it wide to create an escape route for the bird. Make sure there are no obstructions that could prevent the bird from flying out.
- Provide a Perch: If the bird is perched on a high ceiling, try to provide a temporary perch for it to rest on. Use a broom or long stick to gently nudge the bird towards a lower surface where it can perch, such as a piece of furniture or a curtain rod.
- Use a Towel or Blanket: If the bird is flying around and you cannot reach it with a broom, try using a towel or blanket to gently catch it. Slowly approach the bird and drape the towel or blanket over it, making sure to leave enough space for the bird to breathe.
- Approach With Care: If the bird is not moving and appears to be injured, approach it with caution. Use a towel or thick gloves to protect your hands and gently pick up the bird. Place it in a cardboard box or pet carrier for transport.
- Release the Bird: Once you have successfully caught the bird, take it outside to a safe area away from any predators. Set it down gently and open the towel or box to release it. The bird may need a few moments to regain its bearings before flying away.
- Clean Up Any Mess: If the bird has left any droppings or feathers, make sure to clean up the area with caution. Bird droppings can carry diseases and should be disposed of properly.
How Do You Get A Bird Out of Your House at Night
- Turn off all the lights – Birds are attracted to light so turning off the lights in your house will make it less appealing for the bird to stay.
- Open the windows and doors – If possible, open all the windows and doors in the room where the bird is located. This will create an exit route for the bird to fly out.
- Use a towel or blanket – If the bird is perched somewhere in the room, you can use a towel or blanket to gently cover it. This will cause it to fly out of the covered area and hopefully out of the house.
- Create a light source – In a dark room, a flashlight can attract the bird’s attention and guide it toward the open window or door.
- Make loud noises – Clapping your hands or making other loud noises can startle the bird and encourage it to fly out of the house.
- Use bird calls – If you have a bird call app or toy, you can try playing it to attract the bird towards the open window or door.
- Use a bird net – If the bird is flying around the room, you can use a bird net to catch it and release it outside.
- Seek professional help – If the bird is injured or refuses to leave your house, it may be best to contact a local animal control or wildlife rescue organization for assistance.
Note: It’s important to act quickly and calmly when trying to get a bird out of your house at night. Avoid chasing it or causing unnecessary stress, as this can harm the bird and make it harder for you to catch or release it.
Which Birds Are The Most Common to Fly Into Houses?
- House Sparrow
- European Starling
- Northern Cardinal
- American Robin
- Mourning Dove
- Eastern Bluebird
- Chimney Swift
- American Goldfinch
- Barn Swallow
- Tree Swallow
Why Do Birds Fly Into Houses?
There are a few possible reasons why birds may fly into houses:
- Confusion: Birds may become disoriented and fly into houses if they are inexperienced or unfamiliar with the area. This can happen during migration or when they are searching for food and water.
- Reflections: Birds may see their reflection in the windows of a house and mistake it for another bird. They may fly towards it to defend their territory or to try to establish a mating bond.
- Attracted to lights: Birds are attracted to bright lights, especially at night. They may fly towards a house that is well-lit, thinking it is a source of food or shelter.
- Seeking shelter: During severe weather, birds may instinctively seek shelter in any available space, including houses.
- Chasing prey: Birds of prey, such as hawks or owls, may chase smaller birds near houses and accidentally crash into windows or doors.
- Accidental collisions: In some cases, a bird may simply not see the house and fly into it accidentally.
Who to Call to Get A Bird Out of Your House
Is there a bird flying around inside your house? This can be a stressful and unexpected situation but don’t panic. Here’s who you can call to get a bird out of your house:
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: If the bird appears injured or is unable to fly, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. These organizations specialize in helping injured or orphaned wildlife and will be able to safely remove the bird from your home and provide it with the care it needs. They may also be able to give you advice on preventing future incidents with birds in your home.
- Local Animal Control: If the bird is causing damage or posing a threat to your safety, contact your local animal control. They have the equipment and experience to safely remove the bird from your home. They may also be able to help you determine how the bird got inside and prevent it from happening again.
- Pest Control Company: If the bird is a pest species, such as a pigeon or house sparrow, you may want to call a pest control company. They will have experience in removing and preventing these types of birds from entering your home, and can help you address any damage or mess they may have caused.
- Humane Society: The Humane Society may be able to provide assistance in getting the bird out of your home. They may have resources or volunteers available to help capture and release the bird back into the wild.
- A Professional Bird Removal Service: If you are unable to safely remove the bird yourself, it may be best to call a professional bird removal service. These companies specialize in trapping and removing birds from homes and can often do so quickly and efficiently.
Remember, it is important to remain calm and not try to handle the bird yourself. Trying to catch a bird or shoo it out of your home can cause more harm than good. It’s always best to call a professional who has experience in safely handling and removing birds from your house.
How To Keep Birds Out of Your House
- Keep doors and windows closed: One of the best ways to prevent birds from entering your house is by keeping your doors and windows closed. This is especially important during the spring and summer months when birds are most active. Make sure to close any gaps or cracks around doors and windows as well.
- Use bird netting: Bird netting is a physical barrier that can be placed over open spaces such as windows, balconies, and vents to prevent birds from entering. It is a humane and effective method to keep birds out of your house. Make sure to use netting with small holes to prevent smaller birds from getting caught.
- Install screens on windows and vents: Screens are another effective way to keep birds out of your house. Make sure to install screens with fine mesh to prevent birds from squeezing through. These screens can also help keep out insects and other pests.
- Seal any holes or cracks: Birds can enter your house through small holes or cracks in the walls, chimney, or roof. Inspect your house for any potential entry points and seal them with caulk, mesh, or other materials to prevent birds from entering.
- Use scare tactics: Birds are naturally afraid of predators, so you can use scare tactics to keep them away from your house. This can include hanging reflective objects, such as CDs, or using fake predators, like owl decoys. You can also play recordings of bird distress calls to deter them from nesting in or around your house.
- Keep the exterior of your house clean: Birds are attracted to food and nesting materials, so keeping the exterior of your house clean can help deter them from entering. Make sure to remove any potential food sources, such as bird feeders, from the vicinity of your house. Also, regularly clean up any debris or nesting materials that may be collected around your house.
- Trim trees and shrubs near your house: If there are tree branches or shrubs near your house, birds can use them as a landing spot and easily access your house. To prevent this, make sure to trim any branches that are close to doors and windows.
- Use physical deterrents: There are various physical deterrents available that can be placed in areas where birds tend to land or roost. These can include spikes, wire systems, and sticky substances. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use them in areas where they will not disturb or harm the birds.
- Use bird repellents: There are also bird repellents, like sprays or gels, that can be applied to surfaces to discourage birds from landing or roosting. These products typically have a strong odor or taste that birds find unpleasant.
- Seek professional help: If you are dealing with a persistent bird problem, it may be best to seek professional help. A pest control or bird control company can assess the situation and provide safe and effective solutions to keep birds out of your house.
FAQs
Q. How do you get a bird to come to you?
A. To get a bird to come to you, make sure you have food or treats that the bird likes. You can also try mimicking bird sounds to attract their attention. Be patient and move slowly so you don’t scare the bird away. Additionally, try sitting or standing in a quiet and calm area to make the bird feel safe. Building a positive relationship with the bird by offering food regularly can also encourage them to come to you.
Q. How do you chase a bird out of a building?
A. One way to chase a bird out of a building is by opening all windows and doors to create an escape route for the bird. Using a gentle and calm approach, slowly direct the bird toward the open exit while making noises or clapping hands to create movement. It may take several attempts, but the bird will eventually fly out. It is important to avoid any sudden movements or loud noises as they may startle or harm the bird. It is also important to close all windows and doors once the bird has flown out to prevent it from flying back inside.
Q. What do you do if a bird flies into your window?
A. If a bird flies into my window, I would check if the bird is hurt and in need of help. If the bird seems uninjured, I would try to scare it away from the window to prevent it from flying into it again. I would also make sure to close the curtains or cover the window to prevent any further accidents. If the bird is injured, I would contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
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Conclusion
Hopefully, these steps will help you safely and quickly get a bird out of your house. Remember to remain calm, move slowly, and give the bird an escape route. If the bird is injured or refuses to leave, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. And always try to take preventative measures to keep birds from entering your house in the first place.